Teachers: Susanna Long and Anika Deas

Theme: Differences and Disabilities

In 3rd Grade, students learn about a variety of ways that we are alike and different. Students then work on a Disability Awareness Program with a representative from Los Gatos Orthopedic Sports Therapy. The Disability Awareness Program includes hands-on stations where functional learning is used so children have the opportunity to gain insight into the reality with those with disabilities, and interactive verbal discussions for auditory learning to stimulate problem solving abilities. A representative from Guide Dogs for the Blind gives a presentation to each class, where students interact with an actual guide dog. Students visit the San Jose Alzheimer’s Center twice during the year. At the Alzheimer’s Center, students perform a musical performance prepared in Music class, and they work with the Alzheimer’s Center members on a joint craft project.